Information Technology and Innovation in Language Education

Book excerpt: This book presents a critical analysis and investigation of current developments and debates in the use of information technology (IT) in English language teaching (ELT) internationally. The first section of the book provides an overview of the key issues in IT and innovation in English language education such as the complex nature of IT and its use in ELT, both in the present and future, and the often problematic nature of innovation in relation to IT and ELT. It focuses primarily on the level of programs and curricula, looking at the way organizations and educational systems in different countries respond to the so-called “IT imperative.” The second section adopts a more overtly social constructivist perspective to explore examples of innovative practice in IT use in ELT around the world. It tackles issues arising from classroom implementation and pedagogy, looking at the way learners and teachers can and do use IT in their everyday practice. The final section investigates the problems of building a community of professional practice in IT in English language education. It focuses on the level of professional development and teacher education and in doing so, demonstrates how the implementation of IT in schools and classrooms can be enhanced through taking into account key aspects of teachers’ existing contexts and professional practices. Throughout the book, the contributors adopt a constructive but critical perspective on the use of IT in English language education, often challenging its role in developing learner autonomy, its effectiveness in developing language learning and its capacity to enhance pedagogic practice in the language teaching classroom, at the same time suggesting effective models and guidelines for good practice.